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WO2023102578A1 - Goods and service facilitation - Google Patents

Goods and service facilitation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023102578A1
WO2023102578A1 PCT/ZA2022/050056 ZA2022050056W WO2023102578A1 WO 2023102578 A1 WO2023102578 A1 WO 2023102578A1 ZA 2022050056 W ZA2022050056 W ZA 2022050056W WO 2023102578 A1 WO2023102578 A1 WO 2023102578A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
goods
client
facilitation system
service provider
potential
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/ZA2022/050056
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David John MARAIS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2023102578A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023102578A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/04—Billing or invoicing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G06Q30/0241—Advertisements
    • G06Q30/0251—Targeted advertisements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G06Q30/0613—Electronic shopping [e-shopping] using intermediate agents
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G06Q30/0631—Recommending goods or services

Definitions

  • This invention relates to goods and service facilitation.
  • the invention relates to a facilitation system and to a method of facilitating an introduction.
  • lead generation refers to the action or process to secure business with a potential customer.
  • Lead generation typically involves various marketing techniques such as telemarketing, cold calling, online advertising and the like aimed at encouraging potential clients to engage a goods or service provider.
  • Lead generation systems often employ sophisticated algorithms or machine learning techniques to match goods and service providers with potential clients. However, these techniques often fall short to match potential clients to potential goods- and service providers.
  • a facilitation system which includes: a database of goods/service providers categorized into the particular goods and services that the goods/service providers, offer; an online platform operatively connected to the database of goods/service providers, the online platform operable to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client; to access the database of goods/service providers; to match a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services; to initiate contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider.
  • the step to initiate a contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include forwarding the request for desired goods/services to the potential goods/service provider that matches the request for desired goods/services.
  • the step to initiate a contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include setting a deadline by which a response may be received from the potential goods/service provider.
  • the step to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client may include permitting the client to perform a category search pertaining to goods and services they have interest in.
  • the category search may be performed using keywords associated with the specific category.
  • the category search may include searching a secondary category or subcategory.
  • the database may be populated with profiles of goods/service providers with a description of the goods/services that the goods/ service providers offer.
  • the keywords used in performing the category search may be matched with the profiles of the goods/service providers.
  • the facilitation system may be launched from any one or both of a web browser or software application.
  • the facilitation system may be operable such that the goods/service providers may be billed for the use thereof.
  • the billing of the goods/service providers may be linked to a billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers.
  • the billing plan may be customizable on a tiered basis as it relates to the exclusivity of the potential goods/ service provider in receiving the request for desired goods/service from the client.
  • the exclusivity of receiving the request for desired goods/services from the client may be dependable on the geographical location of the client and goods/service provider.
  • the billing plan may include a subscription term.
  • the facilitation system may differentiate between the potential goods/service providers as follows: an executive user/seller, and a user/seller.
  • the term executive user seller refers to a potential goods/service provider that has subscribed to the facilitation system and receives the request for goods/service provider in accordance with the billing plan associated with their profile.
  • the term user/seller refers to a potential goods/service provider that has not yet subscribed to the facilitation system.
  • the user/seller may browse the categories of facilitation system to determine whether the user/seller can provide desired goods/services not yet categorized.
  • the facilitation system may further categorize the executive user/seller based on the billing plan associated with the executive user/seller’s profile in that the executive user/seller may be billed to receive the request for goods/service from the client to the exclusion of other executive user/sellers and user/sellers.
  • the step to initiate contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include the client terminating such contact once the request for desired goods/services is satisfied.
  • the facilitation system may include a server.
  • the database of goods/service providers may be run on the server via a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN).
  • the server may include a remote server.
  • the online platform may communicate with the server by way of a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN).
  • the facilitation system may be operable to display a first user interface and a second user interface.
  • the first user interface may be associated with the software application executable on an electronic device.
  • the first user interface may be displayed on the electronic device of a first user.
  • the first user may include the potential goods/service provider.
  • the information displayed on the first user interface may include any one or more of the following: the request for desired goods/service from a client, keywords relating to the category search performed, date and time of the category search, deadline to respond the request, or the like.
  • the software application may be operable to alert the potential goods/service provider of the request for desired goods/service from the client by way of a notification.
  • the notification may include any one or more of the following: sound alert, vibratory alert, or the like.
  • the software application may be operatively connected to the to the online platform via a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) such that the step to initiate contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include the goods/service provider responding to the client by way of electronic communication via the online platform.
  • the electronic communication may be in the form of a message or link.
  • the software application may include a web application or a mobile application.
  • the second user interface may be displayed on an electronic device of a second user.
  • the second user may include the client requesting the desired goods/services.
  • the second user interface may be configured to display information included upon launching the facilitation system from the web browser.
  • the second user interface may include any one or more of the following information: search tab, categories and sub-categories of goods/services, consent form for initiating contact, or the like.
  • the facilitation system may be operable to display promotional material of user/sellers as part of the information displayed on the second user interface which promotional material may include an online advertisement relating to particular user/seller.
  • the electronic devices described above may include any one or more of the following: laptop, mobile phone, tablet or the like.
  • the facilitation system may be operable to include a loyalty program for encouraging the goods/service providers to use the facilitation system for attracting clients.
  • the facilitation system may be operable to determine the geographical location of the client and the goods/service provider.
  • the billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers may be customizable in accordance with the geographical location of the provider.
  • the step of matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services from the client may include matching of the provider with the request from the client based on the geographical location of the client and the goods/service provider. It is to be appreciated that the matching of the provider with the request from the client may be such that the goods/service provider and client may be located in the same geographical location.
  • the geographical location may be determined by way of location tracking technology, specifically, a Global Positioning System (GPS), installed on the electronic device.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the invention extends to a method of facilitating an introduction, which includes launching the facilitation system as described; receiving a request for desired goods/services from a client; accessing a database of goods/service providers; matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services; initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider.
  • the step of matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services may include performing a category search in the database using keywords specific to goods and services of the category.
  • the step of initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include a prior step of the client consenting to the contact.
  • the step of initiating contact between the client and potential goods/service provider may include the client receiving electronic communication transmitting a response from the goods/service provider.
  • the step of initiating contact between the client and potential goods/service provider may include the client and the goods/service provider communicating via an online platform as herein described.
  • the step of initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include the client terminating such contact once the request for desired goods/services is satisfied.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a facilitation systemin accordance with one aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a flow-diagram representing a method of facilitating an introduction.
  • reference numeral (10) refers to a facilitation system.
  • the facilitation system (10) includes a database (12) of goods/service providers categorized into the particular goods and services that the goods/service providers offer, and an online platform (14) operatively connected to the database (12) of goods/service providers hosted on a remote server (20).
  • the database (12) is populated with profiles of goods/service providers (16.1 - 16.3) with a description of the goods/services that the goods/ service providers (16) offer.
  • the facilitation system (10) is launched using a web browser and a software application installed and executable on electronic devices (24)(26) that interfaces with the online platform (14).
  • the online platform (14) is accessible to the electronic devices (24)(26) via a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet (22).
  • WAN Wide Area Network
  • the online platform (14) in the facilitation system (10) is operable to display a first user interface (24.1 ) and a second user interface (26.1 ) on the electronic devices (24)(26), respectively.
  • the first user interface (24.1 ) is displayed on the electronic device, being a mobile phone (24) of the potential goods/service provider (16).
  • the information displayed on the first user interface (24.1 ) includes the following: a request for desired goods/service from a client (18), keywords relating to the category search performed, date and time of the category search, and a deadline to respond the request.
  • the second user interface (26.1 ) is displayed on the electronic device, being a laptop (26) of a second user (18).
  • the second user interface (26.1 ) displays the following information: search tab, categories and sub-categories of goods/services, and consent form for initiating contact.
  • the online platform (14) is operable to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client (18).
  • the online platform (14) then accesses the database of goods/service providers (12) with the detail of the request from the client (18).
  • the online platform then matches a potential goods/service provider (16) with the request for desired goods/services, and lastly initiates contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16).
  • the step to initiate a contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (18) includes forwarding the request for desired goods/services to the potential goods/service provider (16) that matches the request for desired goods/services.
  • the step to initiate a contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16) further includes setting a deadline by which a response is to be received from the potential goods/service provider (16).
  • the step to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client (18) includes permitting the client (18) to perform a category search pertaining to goods and services they have an interest in.
  • the category search is performed using keywords associated with the specific category.
  • the category search includes searching a subcategory of goods and services.
  • the keywords used in performing the category search is matched with the profiles (16.1 -16.3) of goods/service providers.
  • the facilitation system (10) is operable such that the goods/service providers (16) are billed for the use of the system (10).
  • the billing of the goods/service providers (16) is linked to a billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers (16.1 -16.3).
  • the billing plan is customizable on a tiered basis as it relates to the exclusivity of the potential goods/service provider (16) in receiving the request for desired goods/service from the client (18).
  • the exclusivity of receiving the request for desired goods/services from the client also depends on the geographical location of the client (18) and goods/service provider (16).
  • the billing plan includes a subscription term such that can be renewed.
  • the goods/service providers (16) are classified as an executive user/seller or a normal user/seller.
  • the facilitation system (10) further categorizes the executive user/seller based on the billing plan associated with the executive user/seller’s profile in that the executive user/seller is billed to receive the request for goods/service from the client (18) to the exclusion of other executive user/sellers and user/sellers.
  • the step to initiate contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16) includes the ultimate step of the client (18) terminating such contact once the request for desired goods/services is satisfied thereby preventing the initiation of contact between the client (18) and potential goods/service providers (16) after the client’s (18) desired request is satisfied.
  • the software application is operable to alert the potential goods/service provider (16) of the request for desired goods/service from the client (18) by way of a notification, such as a sound alert.
  • the step to initiate contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16) includes the goods/service provider responding to the client (18) by way of electronic communication via the online platform (14), such as forwarding a hyperlink.
  • the facilitation system (10) is operable to display promotional material in the form of online advertisements of user/sellers as part of the information displayed on the second user interface (26.1 ).
  • the facilitation system (10) is operable to include a loyalty program (not shown) for encouraging the goods/service providers (16) to use the facilitation system (10) for attracting clients (18).
  • the facilitation system (10) is operable to determine the geographical location of the client (18) and the goods/service provider (16) via a Global Positioning System (GPS) (not shown).
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers (16.1 -16.3) is customizable in accordance with the geographical location of the provider (16).
  • the step of matching a potential goods/service provider (16) with the request for desired goods/services from the client (18) includes matching of the provider (16) with the request from the client (18) based on the geographical location of the client (18) and the goods/service provider (16).
  • reference numeral (100) refers to a method of facilitating an introduction. The method is initiated at (102).
  • a request for desired goods/service is received from a client (18).
  • a database (12) of goods/service providers (16) is accessed.
  • a potential goods/service provider (16) is matched with the request for desired goods/services.
  • the step (112) of initiating contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16) includes a prior step of the client consenting to the contact.
  • the inventor believes that the invention provides a novel facilitation system and to a method of facilitating an introduction.

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Abstract

Need generating and facilitation system (10). The system (10) includes a database (12) of goods/service providers (16. 1-16.3) categorized into the particular goods and services that the goods/service providers (16.1-16.3) offer, and an online platform (14) operatively connected to the database of goods/service providers (16.1-16.3). The online platform (14) is operable to receive a request for desired goods/service s from a client (18), to access the database (12) of goods/service providers (16.1-16.3), to match a potential goods/service provider (16) with the request for desired goods/services, and to initiate contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16).

Description

GOODS AND SERVICE FACILITATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to goods and service facilitation. In particular, the invention relates to a facilitation system and to a method of facilitating an introduction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, lead generation refers to the action or process to secure business with a potential customer. Lead generation typically involves various marketing techniques such as telemarketing, cold calling, online advertising and the like aimed at encouraging potential clients to engage a goods or service provider.
Lead generation systems often employ sophisticated algorithms or machine learning techniques to match goods and service providers with potential clients. However, these techniques often fall short to match potential clients to potential goods- and service providers.
It is an object of this invention to provide a system for linking a client/customer directly to the appropriate goods- and service provider without the need for predicting the client/customer's needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a facilitation system, which includes: a database of goods/service providers categorized into the particular goods and services that the goods/service providers, offer; an online platform operatively connected to the database of goods/service providers, the online platform operable to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client; to access the database of goods/service providers; to match a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services; to initiate contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider.
In other words, it is a need generation system as opposed to a lead generation system, one advantage of the system being that potential sellers will be aware of which goods or services are desired by a potential buyer.
The step to initiate a contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include forwarding the request for desired goods/services to the potential goods/service provider that matches the request for desired goods/services.
The step to initiate a contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include setting a deadline by which a response may be received from the potential goods/service provider.
The step to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client may include permitting the client to perform a category search pertaining to goods and services they have interest in. The category search may be performed using keywords associated with the specific category. The category search may include searching a secondary category or subcategory.
The database may be populated with profiles of goods/service providers with a description of the goods/services that the goods/ service providers offer. The keywords used in performing the category search may be matched with the profiles of the goods/service providers.
The facilitation system may be launched from any one or both of a web browser or software application.
The facilitation system may be operable such that the goods/service providers may be billed for the use thereof. The billing of the goods/service providers may be linked to a billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers. The billing plan may be customizable on a tiered basis as it relates to the exclusivity of the potential goods/ service provider in receiving the request for desired goods/service from the client. The exclusivity of receiving the request for desired goods/services from the client may be dependable on the geographical location of the client and goods/service provider. The billing plan may include a subscription term.
The facilitation system may differentiate between the potential goods/service providers as follows: an executive user/seller, and a user/seller.
In this specification, the term executive user seller refers to a potential goods/service provider that has subscribed to the facilitation system and receives the request for goods/service provider in accordance with the billing plan associated with their profile.
In this specification, the term user/seller refers to a potential goods/service provider that has not yet subscribed to the facilitation system. The user/seller may browse the categories of facilitation system to determine whether the user/seller can provide desired goods/services not yet categorized.
The facilitation system may further categorize the executive user/seller based on the billing plan associated with the executive user/seller’s profile in that the executive user/seller may be billed to receive the request for goods/service from the client to the exclusion of other executive user/sellers and user/sellers.
It is to be appreciated that the step to initiate contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include the client terminating such contact once the request for desired goods/services is satisfied.
The facilitation system may include a server. The database of goods/service providers may be run on the server via a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). The server may include a remote server.
It is to be appreciated that the online platform may communicate with the server by way of a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). The facilitation system may be operable to display a first user interface and a second user interface. The first user interface may be associated with the software application executable on an electronic device. The first user interface may be displayed on the electronic device of a first user. In one embodiment, the first user may include the potential goods/service provider.
The information displayed on the first user interface may include any one or more of the following: the request for desired goods/service from a client, keywords relating to the category search performed, date and time of the category search, deadline to respond the request, or the like.
The software application may be operable to alert the potential goods/service provider of the request for desired goods/service from the client by way of a notification. The notification may include any one or more of the following: sound alert, vibratory alert, or the like.
It is to be appreciated that the software application may be operatively connected to the to the online platform via a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) such that the step to initiate contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include the goods/service provider responding to the client by way of electronic communication via the online platform. The electronic communication may be in the form of a message or link.
The software application may include a web application or a mobile application.
The second user interface may be displayed on an electronic device of a second user. In one embodiment, the second user may include the client requesting the desired goods/services. The second user interface may be configured to display information included upon launching the facilitation system from the web browser.
More specifically, the second user interface may include any one or more of the following information: search tab, categories and sub-categories of goods/services, consent form for initiating contact, or the like.
The facilitation system may be operable to display promotional material of user/sellers as part of the information displayed on the second user interface which promotional material may include an online advertisement relating to particular user/seller.
The electronic devices described above may include any one or more of the following: laptop, mobile phone, tablet or the like.
The facilitation system may be operable to include a loyalty program for encouraging the goods/service providers to use the facilitation system for attracting clients.
The facilitation system may be operable to determine the geographical location of the client and the goods/service provider. In one embodiment, the billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers may be customizable in accordance with the geographical location of the provider. In turn, the step of matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services from the client may include matching of the provider with the request from the client based on the geographical location of the client and the goods/service provider. It is to be appreciated that the matching of the provider with the request from the client may be such that the goods/service provider and client may be located in the same geographical location. The geographical location may be determined by way of location tracking technology, specifically, a Global Positioning System (GPS), installed on the electronic device.
The invention extends to a method of facilitating an introduction, which includes launching the facilitation system as described; receiving a request for desired goods/services from a client; accessing a database of goods/service providers; matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services; initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider.
The step of matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services may include performing a category search in the database using keywords specific to goods and services of the category.
The step of initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include a prior step of the client consenting to the contact.
The step of initiating contact between the client and potential goods/service provider may include the client receiving electronic communication transmitting a response from the goods/service provider.
The step of initiating contact between the client and potential goods/service provider may include the client and the goods/service provider communicating via an online platform as herein described.
The step of initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider may include the client terminating such contact once the request for desired goods/services is satisfied.
The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures:
FIGURE(S)
In the figure(s):
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a facilitation systemin accordance with one aspect of the invention; and
Figure 2 shows a flow-diagram representing a method of facilitating an introduction.
In the figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated. EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
In Figure 1 , reference numeral (10) refers to a facilitation system. The facilitation system (10) includes a database (12) of goods/service providers categorized into the particular goods and services that the goods/service providers offer, and an online platform (14) operatively connected to the database (12) of goods/service providers hosted on a remote server (20).
The database (12) is populated with profiles of goods/service providers (16.1 - 16.3) with a description of the goods/services that the goods/ service providers (16) offer.
The facilitation system (10) is launched using a web browser and a software application installed and executable on electronic devices (24)(26) that interfaces with the online platform (14). The online platform (14) is accessible to the electronic devices (24)(26) via a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet (22).
The online platform (14) in the facilitation system (10) is operable to display a first user interface (24.1 ) and a second user interface (26.1 ) on the electronic devices (24)(26), respectively.
In this example, the first user interface (24.1 ) is displayed on the electronic device, being a mobile phone (24) of the potential goods/service provider (16).
The information displayed on the first user interface (24.1 ) includes the following: a request for desired goods/service from a client (18), keywords relating to the category search performed, date and time of the category search, and a deadline to respond the request.
The second user interface (26.1 ) is displayed on the electronic device, being a laptop (26) of a second user (18).
The second user interface (26.1 ) displays the following information: search tab, categories and sub-categories of goods/services, and consent form for initiating contact.
In use, the online platform (14) is operable to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client (18). The online platform (14) then accesses the database of goods/service providers (12) with the detail of the request from the client (18). The online platform then matches a potential goods/service provider (16) with the request for desired goods/services, and lastly initiates contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16).
The step to initiate a contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (18) includes forwarding the request for desired goods/services to the potential goods/service provider (16) that matches the request for desired goods/services. The step to initiate a contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16) further includes setting a deadline by which a response is to be received from the potential goods/service provider (16).
The step to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client (18) includes permitting the client (18) to perform a category search pertaining to goods and services they have an interest in. The category search is performed using keywords associated with the specific category. The category search includes searching a subcategory of goods and services.
The keywords used in performing the category search is matched with the profiles (16.1 -16.3) of goods/service providers.
The facilitation system (10) is operable such that the goods/service providers (16) are billed for the use of the system (10). The billing of the goods/service providers (16) is linked to a billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers (16.1 -16.3). The billing plan is customizable on a tiered basis as it relates to the exclusivity of the potential goods/service provider (16) in receiving the request for desired goods/service from the client (18). The exclusivity of receiving the request for desired goods/services from the client also depends on the geographical location of the client (18) and goods/service provider (16). The billing plan includes a subscription term such that can be renewed.
The goods/service providers (16) are classified as an executive user/seller or a normal user/seller.
The facilitation system (10) further categorizes the executive user/seller based on the billing plan associated with the executive user/seller’s profile in that the executive user/seller is billed to receive the request for goods/service from the client (18) to the exclusion of other executive user/sellers and user/sellers.
It is to be appreciated that the step to initiate contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16) includes the ultimate step of the client (18) terminating such contact once the request for desired goods/services is satisfied thereby preventing the initiation of contact between the client (18) and potential goods/service providers (16) after the client’s (18) desired request is satisfied.
The software application is operable to alert the potential goods/service provider (16) of the request for desired goods/service from the client (18) by way of a notification, such as a sound alert.
The step to initiate contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16) includes the goods/service provider responding to the client (18) by way of electronic communication via the online platform (14), such as forwarding a hyperlink.
The facilitation system (10) is operable to display promotional material in the form of online advertisements of user/sellers as part of the information displayed on the second user interface (26.1 ).
The facilitation system (10) is operable to include a loyalty program (not shown) for encouraging the goods/service providers (16) to use the facilitation system (10) for attracting clients (18).
The facilitation system (10) is operable to determine the geographical location of the client (18) and the goods/service provider (16) via a Global Positioning System (GPS) (not shown). In this example, the billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers (16.1 -16.3) is customizable in accordance with the geographical location of the provider (16). In turn, the step of matching a potential goods/service provider (16) with the request for desired goods/services from the client (18) includes matching of the provider (16) with the request from the client (18) based on the geographical location of the client (18) and the goods/service provider (16). It is to be appreciated that the matching of the provider (16) with the request from the client (18) is such that the goods/service provider (18) and client (16) are located in the same geographical location such as the same province or town. In Figure 2, reference numeral (100) refers to a method of facilitating an introduction. The method is initiated at (102).
At (104), the facilitation system (10), as described, is launched.
At (106), a request for desired goods/service is received from a client (18). At (108), a database (12) of goods/service providers (16) is accessed.
At (110), a potential goods/service provider (16) is matched with the request for desired goods/services.
At (112), contact is initiated between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (18). The method of facilitating an introduction (100) terminates at (114).
The step (112) of initiating contact between the client (18) and the potential goods/service provider (16) includes a prior step of the client consenting to the contact.
The inventor believes that the invention provides a novel facilitation system and to a method of facilitating an introduction.

Claims

1 . A facilitation system, which includes: a database of goods/service providers categorized into the particular goods and services that the goods/service providers offer; an online platform operatively connected to the database of goods/service providers, the online platform operable to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client; to access the database of goods/service providers; to match a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services; to initiate contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider.
2. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the step to initiate a contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider includes forwarding the request for desired goods/services to the potential goods/service provider that matches the request for desired goods/services.
3. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the step to initiate a contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider includes setting a deadline by which a response may be received from the potential goods/service provider.
4. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step to receive a request for desired goods/services from a client includes permitting the client to perform a category search pertaining to goods and services they have interest in and the category search can be performed using keywords associated with the specific category.
5. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the database is populated with profiles of goods/service providers with a description of the goods/services that the goods/ service providers offer and the keywords used in performing the category search can be matched with the profiles of the goods/service providers.
6. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the facilitation system is configured to be launched from any one or both of a web browser or software application.
7. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the facilitation system is configured to be operable such that the goods/service providers are billed for the use thereof and the billing of the goods/service providers is linked to a billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers.
8. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the billing plan is customizable on a tiered basis as it relates to the exclusivity of the potential goods/ service provider in receiving the request for desired goods/service from the client, and the exclusivity of receiving the request for desired goods/services from the client is dependable on the geographical location of the client and goods/service provider.
9. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the facilitation system differentiate between the potential goods/service providers as follows: an executive user/seller, and a user/seller.
10. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the facilitation system further categorize the executive user/seller based on the billing plan associated with the executive user/seller’s profile in that the executive user/seller is billed to receive the request for goods/service from the client to the exclusion of other executive user/sellers and user/sellers.
11. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, which includes a server and wherein the database of goods/service providers run on the server via a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN).
12. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , which is operable to display a first user interface and a second user interface, and wherein the first user interface is associated with the software application executable on an electronic device, and wherein the first user interface is displayed on the electronic device of a first user.
13. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the first user includes the potential goods/service provider.
14. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the information displayed on the first user interface includes any one or more of the following: the request for desired goods/service from a client, keywords relating to the category search performed, date and time of the category search, deadline to respond the request, or the like.
15. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 14, in the case of a software application, which software application is operable to alert the potential goods/service provider of the request for desired goods/service from the client by way of a notification.
16. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the software application is operatively connected to the to the online platform via a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) such that the step to initiate contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider includes the goods/service provider responding to the client by way of electronic communication via the online platform.
17. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a second user interface is displayed on an electronic device of a second user.
18. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the second user includes the client requesting the desired goods/services and the second user interface is configured to display information included upon launching the facilitation system from the web browser.
19. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the second user interface includes any one or more of the following information: search tab, categories and sub-categories of goods/services, consent form for initiating contact, or the like.
20. The facilitation system as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the facilitation system is operable to display promotional material of user/sellers as part of the information displayed on the second user interface which promotional material includes an online advertisement relating to particular user/seller.
21 . The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, which is configured to be operable to include a loyalty program for encouraging the goods/service providers to use the facilitation system for attracting clients.
22. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 , which is configured to be operable to determine the geographical location of the client and the goods/service provider.
23. The facilitation system as claimed in any one of clam 7 to 22, wherein the billing plan associated with the profiles of the goods/service providers are customizable in accordance with the geographical location of the provider and matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services from the client includes matching of the provider with the request from the client based on the geographical location of the client and the goods/service provider.
24. A method of facilitating an introduction, which includes launching the facilitation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23; receiving a request for desired goods/services from a client; accessing a database of goods/service providers; matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services; initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider.
25. The method of facilitating an introduction as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the step of matching a potential goods/service provider with the request for desired goods/services includes performing a category search in the database using keywords specific to goods and services of the category.
26. The method of facilitating an introduction as claimed in Claim 24 or
Claim 25, wherein the step of initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider includes a prior step of the client consenting to the contact.
27. The method of facilitating an introduction as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the step of initiating contact between the client and potential goods/service provider includes the client receiving electronic communication transmitting a response from the goods/service provider.
28. The method of facilitating an introduction as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the step of initiating contact between the client and potential goods/service provider includes the client and the goods/service provider communicating via an online platform as herein described.
29. The method of facilitating an introduction as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the step of initiating contact between the client and the potential goods/service provider includes the client terminating such contact once the request for desired goods/services is satisfied.
PCT/ZA2022/050056 2021-11-30 2022-11-15 Goods and service facilitation Ceased WO2023102578A1 (en)

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AU2016250337A1 (en) * 2015-10-22 2017-05-11 Csr Building Products Limited A method and apparatus for facilitating valuation and sale of real estate
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AU2010100379A4 (en) * 2009-10-14 2010-07-01 Howsdon Investments Resource Trading Platform
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